Showing posts with label Point Loma Nazarene University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Point Loma Nazarene University. Show all posts
Monday, December 9, 2013
When education gets in the way of your learning
The following is the longer version of my article that was published in Point Loma Nazarene University's publication. Because my own blog is not constrained to a 500 word limit, I wanted to publish the original version and original title. As always, thoughts and rebuttals are always appreciated. :)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Jan/Feb/March/April Update?
I've been gone for a while and I wish it wasn't so. There has been so much I have wanted to write and share but frankly, theres just no enough hours in the day. Things have been so chaotic and busy that last time I checked, I was unwrapping Christmas presents and now I am 4 weeks away from being done with my second year of school. Crazy huh?
Despite all the busyness life consistently entails, one thing has been present... every. single. day. Ready for it? Well, joy. Pure, unending, consistent joy. The greatest thing I have learned is to find yourself knee deep in the so many errands, assignments, and duties but to have a calm and joyful heart. Never in my life have I been happier or felt so fulfilled. Here's a brief example from today: I spent a few hours going to the bank, to the store, and other miscellaneous tasks and as I drove with my windows down, the 73 degree sun and breeze shinning down, the only thing I could do was smile and laugh. This is the day that the Lord has made, and it was just perfect.
Despite all the busyness life consistently entails, one thing has been present... every. single. day. Ready for it? Well, joy. Pure, unending, consistent joy. The greatest thing I have learned is to find yourself knee deep in the so many errands, assignments, and duties but to have a calm and joyful heart. Never in my life have I been happier or felt so fulfilled. Here's a brief example from today: I spent a few hours going to the bank, to the store, and other miscellaneous tasks and as I drove with my windows down, the 73 degree sun and breeze shinning down, the only thing I could do was smile and laugh. This is the day that the Lord has made, and it was just perfect.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
a personal update for october
Life has been crazy... well a super good, amazing, hilarious, maturing, exhilarating type of crazy. Time is flying, literally flying by. It is flying by so quickly that even Mondays no longer upset me anymore because before I know it, it is Friday. They say time flies when you're having fun and that statement could not be any more applicable to me right now. I usually address general subjects in my blog so I have decided to switch it up a bit. I get so many calls, texts, messages and emails and I figured it would be nice to at least address some of the questions in this blog so that I can fill in the people I love a little bit of whats going on in my life.
I am finishing up my 6th week at school. This year is very different from last year. Last year had its charm in its own unique way but this year... well it's only week 6 and I couldn't be happier. The people I interact with, the professors I am taught by and the picturesque scenery that I am surrounded by have completely, entirely, inspired me. This year, my goal is to be proactive and pursue the desires which Christ has placed within me. There have been so many things I have wanted to do and see and be and now is the time. I am surrounded by limitless opportunities and possibilities and I am eager to take them. Every day here is the greatest blessing. Every day is better than the one before it. Yes, my schedule is monotone during the school week: class, work, homework, gym, but I gladly do these things with joy and I spend the majority of my day in laughter. The kind of laughter where you lose your breath and your stomach hurts. I know it sounds so cliche but no matter what I do, it is so memorable. The people that have surrounded me see the good in everything; the most annoying or upsetting of tasks become hilarious unforgettable adventures.
I am finishing up my last polisci lower division class and it's a tough one. I love politics but I don't love science and that is what this class is all about: the science of politics. In the past, I have given up on science and mathematics but this is no longer the case. I want to learn it all and love it and I accept the challenge. My professor has been so understanding and helpful and I thank God for professors like her, so gracious and willing to do whatever it takes to help. Also, my major requires that I study abroad, so in 10 months I will be a student in ROME (stay tuned for those adventures). I wish I could go now but based on how fast time is flying,I know that my italian adventures are right around the corner.
My days consist of one thing happening after another so it is crucial to stay focused and on track. So far I have been able to do things in a timely manner so pray for me to keep that pattern up since coffee no longer helps stimulate any energy in me whatsoever, and sleep is of the essence.
I wish that everyone could be experiencing what I am experiencing. To be surrounded with so much love, support and understanding; to be given limitless opportunity; to be cared for and sought out by professors; to spend the majority of your day in laughter; to feel God's presence surrounding you and inspiring you; to live in place resembling paradise; to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to ocean sunrises; and know that you are absolutely, 100% at the right place at the right time ... I am blessed. So blessed.
I am finishing up my 6th week at school. This year is very different from last year. Last year had its charm in its own unique way but this year... well it's only week 6 and I couldn't be happier. The people I interact with, the professors I am taught by and the picturesque scenery that I am surrounded by have completely, entirely, inspired me. This year, my goal is to be proactive and pursue the desires which Christ has placed within me. There have been so many things I have wanted to do and see and be and now is the time. I am surrounded by limitless opportunities and possibilities and I am eager to take them. Every day here is the greatest blessing. Every day is better than the one before it. Yes, my schedule is monotone during the school week: class, work, homework, gym, but I gladly do these things with joy and I spend the majority of my day in laughter. The kind of laughter where you lose your breath and your stomach hurts. I know it sounds so cliche but no matter what I do, it is so memorable. The people that have surrounded me see the good in everything; the most annoying or upsetting of tasks become hilarious unforgettable adventures.
I am finishing up my last polisci lower division class and it's a tough one. I love politics but I don't love science and that is what this class is all about: the science of politics. In the past, I have given up on science and mathematics but this is no longer the case. I want to learn it all and love it and I accept the challenge. My professor has been so understanding and helpful and I thank God for professors like her, so gracious and willing to do whatever it takes to help. Also, my major requires that I study abroad, so in 10 months I will be a student in ROME (stay tuned for those adventures). I wish I could go now but based on how fast time is flying,I know that my italian adventures are right around the corner.
My days consist of one thing happening after another so it is crucial to stay focused and on track. So far I have been able to do things in a timely manner so pray for me to keep that pattern up since coffee no longer helps stimulate any energy in me whatsoever, and sleep is of the essence.
I wish that everyone could be experiencing what I am experiencing. To be surrounded with so much love, support and understanding; to be given limitless opportunity; to be cared for and sought out by professors; to spend the majority of your day in laughter; to feel God's presence surrounding you and inspiring you; to live in place resembling paradise; to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to ocean sunrises; and know that you are absolutely, 100% at the right place at the right time ... I am blessed. So blessed.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
the gift of friendship
i love point loma for many, many reasons. one being that I have made some of the best, most fulfilling, inspiring, honest friendships. these people have changed my life forever, i have truely learned the meaning of "lifelong friendship." my fellow friend and blogger gave me a little shout out the other day in her blog about friendship. here is what the ever so brilliant masey schrader wrote:
If we are, as I have heard the rumor, a combination of the five people that we spend the most time with, then I think it is safe to agree that who we befriend matters. Where we invest our time, who we invest our time in, is either beneficial or detrimental to our own spiritual growth.
Friends are not just companions. They are models of character.
I could not talk highly enough of a young woman who has become one of my closest friends in the past year. Lydia's person sort of just speaks for itself though: her unselfish and genuine manners, classy presentation, adventurous spirit and confident mind, quick wit, and a faith that is rooted deeply in the image of Christ. I strive to be a person of her likeness.
Without sounding like I have or girl crush or that I am campaigning for her presidency, I'm gonna say that she's one worth stalking in the blogging realm. We need more brutally-honest, Russian woman to speak from the depths of their convictions. To challenge the consideration of priorities. To motivate inward change that produces tangible results. To remind us to live in laughter and love.
One of these women just so happens to be a dear friend. And how strengthened I am by her companionship
i humbly accept your kind words and know that i cannot put into words how much our friendship has touched my life.
read the rest of her honest, candid look on life at:
http://maseykole.blogspot.com/
If we are, as I have heard the rumor, a combination of the five people that we spend the most time with, then I think it is safe to agree that who we befriend matters. Where we invest our time, who we invest our time in, is either beneficial or detrimental to our own spiritual growth.
Friends are not just companions. They are models of character.
I could not talk highly enough of a young woman who has become one of my closest friends in the past year. Lydia's person sort of just speaks for itself though: her unselfish and genuine manners, classy presentation, adventurous spirit and confident mind, quick wit, and a faith that is rooted deeply in the image of Christ. I strive to be a person of her likeness.
Without sounding like I have or girl crush or that I am campaigning for her presidency, I'm gonna say that she's one worth stalking in the blogging realm. We need more brutally-honest, Russian woman to speak from the depths of their convictions. To challenge the consideration of priorities. To motivate inward change that produces tangible results. To remind us to live in laughter and love.
One of these women just so happens to be a dear friend. And how strengthened I am by her companionship
i humbly accept your kind words and know that i cannot put into words how much our friendship has touched my life.
read the rest of her honest, candid look on life at:
http://maseykole.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 13, 2011
1 down, 3 to go!
I. AM. DONE... with my 1st year of college! I honestly cannot believe how fast everything has flown by. 10 months ago, I left the comforts of home to go to unknown place filled with unknown people. The first few weeks, I wanted out. I was convinced this was not my place, my environment or people whom I would ever connect with. I had made a mistake by coming here.
Looking back, I have had 10 AMAZING months filled with memories that could fill up textbooks. Not only do I live in a place that looks a little short of heaven, but I live in a place with some of the most genuine, hard working, caring, loving, supportive, thoughtful, profound individuals I have ever met. My professors were all people who had the greatest passion and love for their students and teaching. Despite the stress, exams, papers and presentations, they made everything worth the effort. They pushed me to want to achieve my maximum potential. They were truly individuals who have poured their love into their students wanting only the best. They were there every step of the way, always offering help, advice and even just a little chat to ease up the days when I hadn't quite woken up on the right side of the bed. I have learned so much this year and am looking forward to the opportunities ahead of me and the things to be learned and seen.
I have 3 more years at wonderful Point Loma Nazarene University and I know every year will out do the year before it. To my hall-mates: Masey, Clarissa, Bri and roommate Courtney, you ladies have had such an effect on me, that I am at a lose of words for. Each one of you has something so special and defining, where one of us is lacking, another can complete. We just all make sense, we click and the only thing that can explain how I feel is the fact that from the bottom of my heart, I feel like this was the hand of God bringing us together. He knows us and what our needs are and our wonderful Savior knew we needed each other. I am more of a person because of each of you and would be less of one had I not met y'all. My hope and prayer is that we will continue this friendship and continue to support and uplift each other, in the good and in the bad. I know that God has so much in store for each of us individually and us collectively. I love you all so much. I have loved the memories we created, the laughs we shared and the tears we experienced. Courtney, we were both so nervous about who our roommates would be but I think we can both agree it turned out quite well. We lived together in a room smaller then our own rooms at home but we made it work. Never a silent night or awkward, tense moment, I guess we are quite compatible. Thank you for putting up with me and I didn't mind putting up with you ;)
To Megan and Anne, our leaders and advisors. You helped us through our awkward freshman moments and countless questions. Thank you for your time and attention, N5N will never be forgotten.
I think us girls would also agree that we could not have done it without some "men" support. Jon, Jeff, Tanner, Daniel and Daniel, we met on day 1 and not a day has gone by where we do not appreciate you all, for being yourselves, for being honest and supportive and always willing to help. To Tim, thank you for driving me around and for study groups and just being a great friend. To Matt and Billy, we go back to the start, back to PoliSci, and we have many more experiences to come. To Alex, for being there at meals and making me waffles and always having a comforting word.
To my biggest support group, my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and little sister. They were always praying and encouraging me. Thank you for the visits, flowers, food and letters. When I was not motivated and tired, y'all pushed me through those moments. Being away strengthened our relationships even more and pushed us to value even more the moments we shared. My parents made it possible for me to go to a dream school, taking on quite a burden but doing it with so much love and faith that where there is a will, there is way and God will provide.
Finally, only through Christ were the above things mentioned in any way possible. I am in no way perfect and have stumbled but the love of my Savior has picked me up every single time. I know I have many more improvements to make yet only in Christ alone my hope is found.He is my light, my strength, my song. This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What a wonderful Savior, what a wonderful maker, With a strength like no other and the heart of a father. How majestic your whispers, what a wonderful God! Glory be to God on highest, He made this all POSSIBLE.
Looking back, I have had 10 AMAZING months filled with memories that could fill up textbooks. Not only do I live in a place that looks a little short of heaven, but I live in a place with some of the most genuine, hard working, caring, loving, supportive, thoughtful, profound individuals I have ever met. My professors were all people who had the greatest passion and love for their students and teaching. Despite the stress, exams, papers and presentations, they made everything worth the effort. They pushed me to want to achieve my maximum potential. They were truly individuals who have poured their love into their students wanting only the best. They were there every step of the way, always offering help, advice and even just a little chat to ease up the days when I hadn't quite woken up on the right side of the bed. I have learned so much this year and am looking forward to the opportunities ahead of me and the things to be learned and seen.
I have 3 more years at wonderful Point Loma Nazarene University and I know every year will out do the year before it. To my hall-mates: Masey, Clarissa, Bri and roommate Courtney, you ladies have had such an effect on me, that I am at a lose of words for. Each one of you has something so special and defining, where one of us is lacking, another can complete. We just all make sense, we click and the only thing that can explain how I feel is the fact that from the bottom of my heart, I feel like this was the hand of God bringing us together. He knows us and what our needs are and our wonderful Savior knew we needed each other. I am more of a person because of each of you and would be less of one had I not met y'all. My hope and prayer is that we will continue this friendship and continue to support and uplift each other, in the good and in the bad. I know that God has so much in store for each of us individually and us collectively. I love you all so much. I have loved the memories we created, the laughs we shared and the tears we experienced. Courtney, we were both so nervous about who our roommates would be but I think we can both agree it turned out quite well. We lived together in a room smaller then our own rooms at home but we made it work. Never a silent night or awkward, tense moment, I guess we are quite compatible. Thank you for putting up with me and I didn't mind putting up with you ;)
To Megan and Anne, our leaders and advisors. You helped us through our awkward freshman moments and countless questions. Thank you for your time and attention, N5N will never be forgotten.
I think us girls would also agree that we could not have done it without some "men" support. Jon, Jeff, Tanner, Daniel and Daniel, we met on day 1 and not a day has gone by where we do not appreciate you all, for being yourselves, for being honest and supportive and always willing to help. To Tim, thank you for driving me around and for study groups and just being a great friend. To Matt and Billy, we go back to the start, back to PoliSci, and we have many more experiences to come. To Alex, for being there at meals and making me waffles and always having a comforting word.
To my biggest support group, my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and little sister. They were always praying and encouraging me. Thank you for the visits, flowers, food and letters. When I was not motivated and tired, y'all pushed me through those moments. Being away strengthened our relationships even more and pushed us to value even more the moments we shared. My parents made it possible for me to go to a dream school, taking on quite a burden but doing it with so much love and faith that where there is a will, there is way and God will provide.
Finally, only through Christ were the above things mentioned in any way possible. I am in no way perfect and have stumbled but the love of my Savior has picked me up every single time. I know I have many more improvements to make yet only in Christ alone my hope is found.He is my light, my strength, my song. This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What a wonderful Savior, what a wonderful maker, With a strength like no other and the heart of a father. How majestic your whispers, what a wonderful God! Glory be to God on highest, He made this all POSSIBLE.
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